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2013 LA Auto Show - Via Motors Electric Trucks Press Presentation +VIDEO


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VIA Motors Announces Start of Production on World’s First Full Size Electric Pickups and Vans

LOS ANGELES, CA November 21st, 2013; In a press conference on the main stage of the LA Auto Show, automotive legend Bob Lutz made history once again to announce the start of production of the world’s first full size, four-wheel-drive, electric pick up trucks and vans by VIA Motors. Mr. Lutz, is well known for championing extended range electric technology while at General Motors, preferring it over hybrid or all-electric technology, particularly in full size vehicles, where fuel savings from electrification can quickly overcome the incremental cost.

“VIA’s unique approach in working hand-in-hand with OEMs like General Motors to transform conventional full size vehicles into extended range electric vehicles, will make electric power train options more practical and available to a broader market,” noted Lutz. It seemed appropriate that Lutz, who played a key role in the launch of the Chevy Volt, now unveils the first full size, electric truck by VIA Motors.



“Although packed with advanced technology,” Lutz pointed out, “the fuel savings and other benefits of an electrified pick up or van, can actually make it less expensive to drive than a conventional truck over time.” Mr. Lutz, a member of VIA’s board of directors, was introduced at the event by long-time GM associate, Alan Perriton, now president of VIA Motors.

Perriton announced that “VIA plans to begin production on the van this year and will ramp up production on three electrified models in 2014 at VIA’s new high volume facility in Mexico, including a 4WD half-ton pick up truck, based on the Chevy Silverado crew cab, and a three quarter ton cargo van, and passenger van based on the Chevy Express.”

VIA has been working with leading fleets to develop a clean, economical electrified truck & van, and has been very pleased with their performance in fleet applications. ”We are working cooperatively with the California Air Resource Board to complete certification and are now ready to begin volume production, utilizing our new high volume facility in Mexico,” stated Perriton.

Also joining Perriton and Lutz on stage was newly appointed VIA CEO, John Weber, former president and CEO of Remy International, Inc, a key supplier to GM and VIA Motors. “I joined VIA because it has a product that makes economic sense, and also happens to be good for the environment,” said Weber. ”In addition to begin filling VIA’s backlog of fleet orders this year, VIA will soon begin taking orders for consumer sales in 2014,” Weber concluded.

About VIA Motors

VIA Motors is a privately held electric vehicle development and manufacturing company. VIA employs a streamlined second stage manufacturing process to integrate its proprietary V-DRIVE™ power train into new OEM vehicles, then sells directly to fleets under the VTRUX™ brand name. VIA VTRUX deliver up to 40-mile battery range and unlimited extended range, averaging over 100 mpg in typical daily driving. More information on VIA Motors may be found at:VIAmotors.com. Video with Bob Lutz: VIAmotors.com/erev. Online calculator to estimate savings: VIAmotors.com/payback